Beavers' FA Cup dream is over after 2-0 loss to Truro City

Hampton & Richmond lost to a more clinical Truro City side in this afternoon’s FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round match at Beveree Stadium.

Debutant Dan Sweeney missed a penalty with seven minutes to go and the game finely poised at 1-0 in a frustrating afternoon for the Beavers.

Sweeney had been so impressive for the duration of the game and the miss was a disappointing end to the match for the on-loan Barnet midfielder.

Two second half goals from Truro’s Noah Keats proved to be the difference in a game that Hampton dominated for large portions.

Hampton’s long unbeaten run comes to an end but there were plenty of positives in the performance for manager Alan Dowson to take.

The 14 positions in the table that separate the sides seemed to flatter the visitors as Hampton controlled possession with Sweeney in particular looking accomplished.

A relatively entertaining first half saw Hampton on top for the majority. Chances were few and far between, but the best did fall to the home side.

Truro keeper Tom McHale was definitely the busier of the two keepers saving well from Malachi Napa early on before thwarting Sweeney in the 42nd minute.

The game really came to life in the second half as both sides increased the intensity and went in search of a winner.

Max Kretzschmar looked very lively and his interplay with Christian Jolley led to the half’s first chance, as Jolley’s goal bond shot was deflected behind for a Hampton corner.

The home side increased the pressure and went close again through Marvin Morgan as a great ball into the box by Nathan Collier resulted in a goal-mouth scramble and Morgan’s tame effort being eventually cleared.

Against the run of play, Truro took the lead.

A long throw from the left-hand-side was flicked on and landed at the feet of midfielder Noah Keats who provided the finish from eight yards out low into the left hand corner of keeper Sam Howes’ goal.

This galvanised the visitors who took more of a control of the game after their opener.

Bernard Kiernan’s introduction provided Hampton with a bit more of an attacking impetus, with his direct running causing problems for the Truro defence.

As Hampton pushed further forward for an equaliser, more space was left in behind for Truro to exploit on the counter attack.

On one particular occasion a defensive mistake by Collier allowed Cody Cooke to break through and his shot was well saved by Howes.

With seven minutes to go, lively winger Napa’s cross was handled in the area by Truro left back Connor Riley-Lowe and the referee pointed to the spot.

After what seemed like an eternity, as the referee proceeded to book both Riley-Lowe and Jamie Richards, Sweeney was allowed to take it.

Unfortunately for Beavers’ fans his low shot was saved well by Truro keeper much to the delight of the travelling Truro fans.

This knocked the stuffing out of the home side who had battled hard all game to no avail.

With the clock winding down, a long ball up the pitch was taken down and excellently finished by Keats to double his tally.

His accurate shot from outside the box nestled into the same corner as his first, leaving no chance for the Hampton keeper.

A disappointing result for the side in a match that really could have gone either way. Truro were more clinical in front of goal and benefited from Tom McHale’s great day between the sticks.